Discover the extraordinary story behind one of humankind’s greatest achievements through more than 100 objects spanning 5,000 years and seven continents

Beginning with Egyptian hieroglyphs and Mayan symbols carved in stone, follow writing’s remarkable evolution through to early printed text such as William Caxton’s 1476 edition of The Canterbury Tales, the first book printed in England, and on to the hand-written notes of some of history’s greatest minds – Captain Scott, Mozart, James Joyce, and Florence Nightingale amongst them.

Marvel at centuries of human innovation as items such as Tennyson’s quill show how writing enabled creativity, and a 60,000-strong petition against Bengali partition demonstrates how writing gave us tools for political protest.

Our exhibition gives you the chance to reflect on the beauty of writing as gold-laden calligraphy, created by a Japanese empress, and royal charters show how writing carries history in its every stroke.

Finally, reflect on writing’s future and the role it will play in an increasingly digital world. Will we abandon pens and keyboards for voice and video messaging or, as history has shown, continue to carry the traditions of ancient times with us?

A voluntary donation can be added over the regular ticket price. You will be helping the Library to conserve and share its collection. If you are a UK tax-payer and ‘Gift Aid’ your donation, the Library can reclaim the tax you have paid.